Balloon Aerial Photography

When photograph of an area, or any particular feature or landscape is taken from a camera mounted on a balloon it is called Balloon Aerial Photography . The camera can be directly mounted on the balloon or the camera can be mounted in a mast held by the balloon. Photographers may also carry the camera in their hand for Balloon Aerial Photography while taking a ride on the balloon.


History of Balloon Aerial Photography:


Frenchman Gaspard Felix Tournachon who is famous by the name Nadar used the balloon to take the first aerial photograph in 1858

He went up to an altitude of various hundred meters and took the photo of a village in France named Petit Bicetre. So Balloon Aerial Photography was first done by Nadar.


How Balloon Aerial Photography is done?


Once the camera is carried up in the air ,to take a aerial photograph triggering is essential. It can be done in three ways. The shutter can be mechanically triggered or electronically triggered from the air or photographers have to use a specialized built-in feature so that the camera is triggered off from the air. Balloons for Balloon Aerial Photography are found of different sizes. Basically there are two type of balloons-party balloon and weather balloon. Party balloon is the choice of people who want to have a cheap expense. The measurement unit for the party balloon is in inches and weather balloon is in grams. Weather balloons are very expensive and are usually used for Balloon Aerial Photography .


Different types of weather balloon available for Balloon Aerial Photography are:

  • Tethered blimps
  • Radio controlled Blimps
  • Giant Balloons
  • Tradeshaw balloons

Different types of cameras used for Balloon Aerial Photography are:

  • Pentax A30 10mpx (approx weight: 1.5lbs)
  • Sony V-3, 7mpx (approx weight: 2.5lbs)
  • Sony R-1, 10mpx (approx weight: 4lbs)
  • Sony HDR-HC3 Video Handycam (approx weight: 2.5lbs)

Other instruments required for Balloon Aerial Photography are:

  • Emergency valve helps to get back the gear on camera if anyone looses the tether line on his or her balloon. It consists of 2 servos, receiver and battery.
  • Quick Disconnect takes the camera rig on or off after a snap has been taken or when a snap is about to be taken in Balloon Aerial Photography .
  • Telescopic Mast (7.62m) consists of drive on stand or trailor hitch mount.
  • Pneumatic Mast (15m) can be wired on with the help of an electric pump.
  • Tripod for Pneumatic Mast helps to handle and carry the pneumatic mast. For accuring highest level of stability it has a levelling feet.
  • 360° revolving mast head provides rotation to every direction helping in Balloon Aerial Photography .
  • Pole camera Frame is clipped with the balloon and helps to disconnect quickly.
  • Channel Controller according to the type of camera for managing the mechanism of trigger and zoom in Balloon Aerial Photography .

Use of Balloon Aerial Photography:

  • Surveying any constructional work
  • Wildlife observations
  • Archaeological Survey
  • Surveying real estates
  • Studying vegetation, cultivation, rivers, coastal areas and cultural events like sports

So enjoy doing Balloon Aerial Photography as it is not only useful but also a great hobby!